Did we always have to register to download the Java 5 JDK, or is this new Oracle fun?

I could swear that just a couple of months ago I downloaded a copy of the Java 1.5 SE JDK and I did not have to give them information on my first born. Today, I had to go through the register-and-we-will-send-you-a-link-someday dance. I have not received the link yet, so I thought I would ask about it here.

• What is special about the Java 5 JDK? I can get Java 6 just by clicking, is this a stick to get us to migrate to Java 6?
• Am I just not remembering doing this before?
• What marketing genius thought this would be a value add for Java? "If we make them sweat for the JDK they wo开发者_如何学运维n't just delete it willy-nilly the next time?"
• Does everyone picture the people designing systems like this as mustache twirling Snidely Whiplash clones like I do?
• Did I just miss the link for the Secret Squirrel route to the download page?

Finally, I am in the U.S. so I should not have to worry about export restrictions.

Any thoughts?

P.S. Did I mention I am trying to get the Java 5 JDK ;-)

Java 5 has passed its sell-by date on October 30, 2009. That means that support is only available as paid business support, which of course requires registration.

You shouldn't really be using Java 5 anymore, unless you're committed to some large, complex installation, in which case you should seriously consider that paid business support - I guess the automatic registration page is intended to drive home that point.

Edit: You can still download Java 5 without registering via the technology archive. (Not any more, it also requires login now.)

Go here. Click "Download" (left). Then click Skip this Step (it's tiny on the bottom of the new widget that appears when you click "Download").

EDIT: For JDK 5, go here, click "Download" and then just click Continue to Download without entering anything in those fields.

There's a link that says: "Skip this Step"